Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by French Market District.
Five Things You Should Know Before You Go to the 32nd Annual Creole Tomato Festival
The French Market serves up the bounty of southeast Louisiana at the annual Creole Tomato Festival! Enjoy two days of Creole tomato dishes, live music, cooking demonstrations presented by Louisiana Cookin’ Magazine, kid’s activities at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint, and the 3rd annual Bloody Mary Market in Dutch Alley.
The annual Creole Tomato Festival, on June 9th and 10th, is a great chance to enjoy all that the French Market District has to offer – and the Festival is just the beginning.
Make the most out of your visit with these five Creole Tomato Festival tips::
Prepare for the weather! We all know southeast Louisiana in mid-June can bring high temperatures with humidity during the day and the occasional rain shower. Be prepared by checking the daily forecast, dress light, and packing outdoor festival essentials for the family such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. ***Inside-tip: Forget something at home? Don’t fret! You can find almost anything in the French Market – sunglasses, hats, and more in the shops or Flea Market are always a fun and inexpensive solution.***
Escape the heat by visiting the New Orleans Jazz National Park in Dutch Alley or the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint. When you’re enjoying the festival at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint, enjoy the indoor exhibits for free! The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park indoors has a fun and free Jazz Junior Ranger Program suitable for kids Kindergarten through 8th grade, just as a Ranger! ***Insider-tip: Explore the Old U.S. Mint and take a break from the heat! Inside there are clean bathrooms, hydration stations, and good air-conditioning.***
Find your favorites before you arrive – Have a festival game plan in place so you’re not wandering around hangry or irritated that you just missed a great band. Festival music schedules, food booth and Bloody Mary Market menus, and kid’s activities are posted on the festival website at www.frenchmarket.org/creoletomatofest. ***Insider-tip: The Dutch Alley Stage at the Bloody Mary Market opens at 10:00 am both days with a children’s concert. Start the day early with fun for the kids and a bloody mary (or two) for parents. At 11:00 am the kid’s activities open at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint, perfectly timed to keep the fun going.***
Ask the Creole Tomato Fest Crew if you need any type of assistance. Located at the festival merchandise booths in Dutch Alley and at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint the Crew is in place to ensure you have a great time at festival and also acts as a point of contact if you need medical attention or a lost and found. ***Insider-tip: Visit the Creole Tomato Fest Crew for a festival freebee while supplies last.***
Know where to park and avoid frustration. The French Market operates two pay lots that provide easy access to the Festival, the Riverfront Lot behind Cafe du Monde and the Farmers Market Lot on Elysian Fields Ave. ***Insider-tip: If driving into the French Quarter on a weekend sounds terrifying then you’ll love the Farmers Market lot. This lot is located just outside the French Quarter on the corner of Elysian Fields and Decatur St. only a block from the Festival main stage at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint, map address 2170 Decatur Street. It’s an open lot with a pay kiosk for ease. Arrive early to secure your spot.***